Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Meeting in the first extraordinary consistory of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, the members of the College of Cardinals voted last evening to discuss evangelization and synodality—thus effectively sidelining detailed discussion of the Roman Curia and the sacred liturgy.

The cardinals also heard a meditation by Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, OP, who said that Lord calls the Church to sail through the “storms” of “sexual abuse and ideological divisions.”

“If Peter’s boat were full of disciples who quarrel among themselves, we would be of no use to the Holy Father,” he said. “If instead we live among ourselves in peace and love, even when differences emerge, God will truly be present, even when he seems absent.”

Following the first evening of discussions, the Pope listened to summaries prepared by the secretaries of the nine groups of cardinals who govern dioceses (rather than serve in the Curia).

Portions of the Pope’s closing remarks were published in English by Vatican News. Referring to the “experience of collegiality,” the Pope said that “the journey is as important as the conclusion,” adding, “Time is very short,” and, “I feel the need to be able to count on you. You have called this servant to this mission; it is important that we discern together.”

Pope Leo XIV opened the first extraordinary consistory of his pontificate yesterday afternoon with a call to mutual love and listening.

Pope Leo XIV has begun a new series of Wednesday general audiences devoted to the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and its documents.